X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Wednesday, 3/5/25): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Jalen Williams - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Fantasy Basketball

Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Wednesday, 3/5/25. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

For the third straight day, the NBA has seven games on the main DFS fantasy basketball slate for DraftKings this Wednesday night. The first four games all tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET when contests lock with three more games getting underway by 9:30 p.m. ET. The late game between the Clippers and Pistons is not part of the main slate.

Of the 14 teams in the pool, the Cavs, Bucks, and Timberwolves are the only three playing for a second night in a row, but there are still many injury questions surrounding rotations across the board. While there is still some uncertainty, several options stand out as awesome additions to your fantasy lineup. Let's dive in and find some of the top options from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/5/25. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 p.m. EST on DraftKings. 

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code WIN! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

Jalen Williams, OKC – SF/PF ($8,200)

The Thunder and Grizzlies meet in Memphis on Wednesday in one of the most exciting matchups on the board. It should also be one of the highest-scoring and most productive for fantasy purposes. The Thunder will be pretty much at full strength with Chet Holmgren ($7,300) back in the mix. Alongside the brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,800), Jalen Williams has been excellent lately. He comes into this pace-up spot against the Grizzlies at a good time too, since Memphis will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) for a while.

Williams has been cooking lately with at least 39 DraftKings points in five of his last six games. He has averaged 45.1 DraftKings points per contest over that span with a high point of a career-high 41 points and 65 DraftKings points last Sunday.

The Thunder have scored at least 128 points in each of their seven games since the break and taking on the team with the highest pace in the NBA should mean plenty of points flowing their way on Wednesday night in Memphis. Williams has an elite ceiling and can produce in multiple categories. He should dominate his frontcourt matchup and put up another big number on Wednesday.

Desmond Bane, MEM – SG ($8,000)

On the other side of that matchup, Bane makes a solid play with or without Ja Morant ($8,300; shoulder, questionable) and Santi Aldama ($6,400; calf, questionable). If those two players are out, Bane will have to carry all the Grizzlies' offense, but even if they play, he'll get a boost from Jackson's absence.

Bane has produced over 45 DraftKings points in three straight games and is coming off a monster 35-point triple-double on Monday. He finished that game with 66 DraftKings points in 36 minutes with Morant out and Jackson leaving the game early.

He has a very high ceiling against the Thunder since he'll be called on for a large workload and has a very high ceiling at $8,000 as a result.

Kyle Filipowski, UTA – C ($5,500)

Filipowski is another player with a huge chance to step up on Wednesday night since he'll be filling in once again for Walker Kessler (rest). John Collins (back), Lauri Markkanen (back), Collin Sexton (ankle), and Jordan Clarkson (foot) are all out as well, so the Jazz will have a limited squad available on the road in Washington.

When given a bigger role in the last month, the rookie from Duke has stepped up with several big games. Just before the All-Star break, he started in place of Kessler and had a 20-point double-double against the Clippers for 34.5 DraftKings points. Since the break, Filiposwki has made two more starts, totaling 49.75 DraftKings points against the Trail Blazers and 37.25 DraftKings points against the Pelicans in those two outings. He also has at least 29 DraftKings points in four of his last five overall.

Filipowski will be an especially strong play in this great matchup since the Wizards have been one of the best matchups for centers all season.

Others Under Consideration: Jayson Tatum - SF/PF ($10,000), Chet Holmgren - PF/C ($7,300), DeMar DeRozan ($7,400), Bam Adebayo - PF/C ($8,900)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL - PF/C ($11,000)

With Nikola Jokic ($12,200; ankle, questionable) uncertain and potentially at less than 100%, Giannis steps in as a strong pay-up big man option. Giannis has been excellent since the All-Star break, posting at least 58 DraftKings points in four of his last five games.

One of those games was in this same matchup against the Mavericks, who are extremely thin in the frontcourt after multiple injuries and are also now without Kyrie Irving (knee). Giannis had 59.75 DraftKings points against the Mavs last Saturday and also went off against the Hawks on Tuesday with a 26-point triple-double that earned him 61 DraftKings points.

It's the second game of a back-to-back for the Bucks, but for tournament contests, Giannis's ceiling is worth the risk.

Donovan Mitchell, CLE - PG/SG ($8,800)

Keep a close eye on the injury report for the Cavs since they're finishing a back-to-back but if he's ready to roll at home against the Heat, there's lots to love about Mitchell's current form. He just rested a game on Sunday but returned with 28 points and 46.25 DraftKings points in Tuesday's win over the Bulls.

Mitchell has over 44 DraftKings points in four of his last five games and his Cavs continue to cruise to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Even though the Heat aren't an easy matchup, Spida brings a very high ceiling and could end up with more work if other Cavs rest

Keyonte George, UTA - PG ($6,400)

The Jazz will continue to let George and Isaiah Collier ($6,300) run the offense with Sexton and Clarkson out. George has shown a very high ceiling but has also been a little inconsistent since the All-Star break. He came out of the break red hot and had a 30-point game that earned him 51 DraftKings points in a win over the Rockets.

He also had another big scoring performance with 28 points and 41.75 DraftKings points against the Pelicans on Sunday before cooling off against the Pistons on the second night of the back-to-back.

With a day off on Tuesday and a great matchup against the Wizards, George should be able to bounce back with a big game on Wednesday.

Max Christie, DAL - SG/SF ($5,200)

Without Kyrie now in addition to all the injuries in the frontcourt, Christie will have to step up and help carry the load for the Mavericks. Since arriving in the Luka trade, he has been a consistent contributor, but now he'll have to be much more active on offense.

He has shown spike potential in the past, with six straight games of over 30 DraftKings points right after joining the Mavs. He has cooled off in his last few contests, but with all the work he'll have to carry, he definitely has enough upside to be a good tournament option at just over $5,000.

Others Under Consideration: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - PG ($10,800), Zach LaVine - SG/SF ($7,900), Anthony Edwards - SG ($9,300), Evan Mobley - PF/C ($8,300), Jonas Valanciunas - C ($6,400), Tyler Herro- PG/SG ($8,700), Isaiah Collier - PG ($5,300), Spencer Dinwiddie - PG/SG ($5,100)

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Jamie Calandro! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Jamie's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10 percent

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Bub Carrington, WAS - PG ($5,300)

Since the trade deadline, rookie Bub Carrington has looked very strong for the Wizards, and he has returned to the starting lineup for the last two games with Jordan Poole (elbow) out. With Poole out again on Wednesday, he'll likely start against the Jazz, who are short-handed as mentioned above. No team in the NBA has given up more fantasy points to point guards than the Jazz, so Carrington is in a great spot.

In his last two games without Poole, Carrington had 11 points and 28.75 DraftKings points in a win over Charlotte and then posted 14 points and 33.25 DraftKings points in a loss to the Heat.

He's poised to return great value on Wednesday and should thrive in the matchup with his bigger workload.

Kai Jones, DAL – C ($5,000)

The Mavericks just signed Jones to a two-way contract on March 1, but he stepped right into a very big role in his Mavericks' debut against the Kings. He played 34 minutes and racked up 32.5 DraftKings points on 21 points, eight rebounds, and one blocked shot against the Kings.

Jones has always been great for a highlight reel entry or two but is out to prove he can be a regular contributor. He should get every chance since the Mavs will remain without Anthony Davis (adductor), P.J. Washington (ankle), Daniel Gafford (knee), and Dereck Lively II (ankle) for the foreseeable future.

Cason Wallace, OKC – PG/SG ($4,500)

Wallace has been a key part of the Thunder's recent surge although he's not a big name like SGA, Jalen Williams, or Chet Holmgren. Wallace has scored double-digit points in four of his last five games and had over 21 DraftKings points in each of those five contests.

Wallace had 32.25 and 32.75 DraftKings points in his last two games, and he should continue to get more minutes with Alex Caruso (ankle) out on Wednesday.

Brandon Clarke, MEM – PF/C ($4,100)

Without Jackson, Clarke will likely have to step into a bigger role. He has been a good per-minute producer this season but has only been asked to play 18.5 minutes per game. He has had over 22 DraftKings points in three straight games and four of his last five.

He showed some solid upside while playing 27 minutes against the Magic right after the All-Star break, posting 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 32.75 DraftKings points.

Especially if Aldama and JJJ are out, Clarke will need to take on more work on Wednesday.

Others Under Consideration: Kyshawn George - PF ($5,000), Zach Edey - C ($4,900), Luke Kennard - PG/SG ($4,800), Keon Ellis - PG/SG ($4,100), Justin Champagnie ($3,900), K.J. Martin ($4,100), Brice Sensabaugh - SF/PF ($4,300), Oscar Tshiebwe - C ($3,000)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stack

Thunder at Grizzlies (250.5 total)

This is a massive total for this Western Conference showdown and both teams should pile up points. I've already highlighted Jalen Williams ($8,200) and Cason Wallace ($4,500) as two of my favorite plays and mentioned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,800) and Chet Holmgren ($7,300) as other options. Aaron Wiggins ($5,100) is also a solid mid-salary target, while Luguentz Dort ($4,600) has good potential and usually gets heavy minutes but sometimes doesn't compile many stats.

Desmond Bane ($8,000) is the clear centerpiece of the Grizzlies stack to build around. Without JJJ, Brandon Clarke ($4,100) brings interesting value as well, especially if Santi Aldama ($6,400) is also out. If Aldama plays, he's worth a look along with Zach Edey ($4,900), and if Ja Morant ($8,300) is out, Luke Kennard ($4,800) will be a good option. GG Jackson II ($4,000), Vince Williams Jr. ($4,200), and Jaylen Wells ($4,900) are also plays that could flourish with more work available.

Kings at Nuggets (236.5 total)

The Kings won't have Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) for a second straight game, so Jonas Valanciunas ($6,400) will get more work. Zach LaVine ($7,900) has been very consistent for the Kings since joining DeMar DeRozan ($7,400) and both could get more work depending on if Malik Monk ($7,900; toe, questionable) plays. If Monk is out, Keon Ellis ($4,100) and Markelle Fultz ($3,200) will get more work as well.

Nikola Jokic ($12,200) is always a good option and his questionable tag should keep his ownership low. He'll be in a mismatch against Valanciunas if he plays and always brings a very high ceiling. Christian Braun ($5,900) has also been playing very well with over 35 DraftKings points in three straight games. Jamal Murray ($7,700) and Michael Porter Jr. ($6,500) also bring very high ceilings and would have to carry the load if Jokic is out or at less than 100%. Jalen Pickett ($3,000) is an interesting punt play to round out the Nuggets stack and could get more work with Julian Strawther (knee) out.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

  • My favorite OVERALL play on the slate: Kyle Filipowski
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Kyle Filipowski
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Jalen Williams
  • My favorite VALUE play: Bub Carrington


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP